Thanks everyone! I've been doing alright. A bit sore and using crutches is frustrating!!!! especially in the snow...

I was supposed to start my 8 week Physical therapy program this week but because of snow I have to start next week. I'll be in PT 3 times a week =( should be fun....

I was able to manage to get to the gym again on Monday and plan on going maybe M-W-F but at least Monday and Wednesday when I don't have any classes, maybe before I go to PT. As long as I don't put any weight on my right leg I can do whatever I want there, which is mostly machines for the time being since I can't carry weights and use the crutches at the same time. But other regulars at my gym offered to help me if I needed it. I had a lot of people starring at me on Monday when I was working out on crutches. maybe I lit the flame under some of their butts, lol.

side ramble- being on crutches I've had to use the elevator more and never realized how many lazy completely capable people wait to use the elevator when the staircase is right next to them...unbelievable!!

I had the post op and all went well, unfortunately my x-ray showed signs of impingement on the left side too which eventually could cause some of the same issue I've been having and explain by lack of flexibility in my hips and most likely my back pain. The doc said we'll wait to determine if I need to have surgery to correct the left side as well, if so hopefully it can wait awhile! I meet with him again sometime in March for another follow up.

I've decided that this year my main fitness goals are: stretch more (this is most likely my biggest downfall and is certainly not helping prevent injuries), increase my endurance, and of course grow.

and in life: just do and see all the things I've always wanted to do and see but for some reason just put off- even the little things. I guess live more in the moment. With school as my focus its been very easy to have tunnel vision and not relax as I should.

I know what you mean by stretching. It truly does make a difference. Way to set those goals. I know you'll accomplish them and cannot wait to hear about your continued prgress in the upcoming entries. Yea!

I feel your pain. I just got off of crutches from my surgery. What I did was just leave the cruthes and hop up the stairs or hop around the gym. Did a ton of pushups, pullups, every ab exercise know to man. 1 legged biking. benching, dips, shoulder presses, rowing, handstands, bar ab exercises. Another great thing is if you can find someone to throw a medicine ball around with you while you are seated. it is great abs and upper body work. If you can't find someone you can throw it off a wall and catch it although there are more variations if you have a workout partner even for just afew minutes. good luck hopefully you would be in that thing much longer.

MaryStella, I'll have to try that seated ball throw sometime, even if it's after I'm better =D

I did some bi's and tri's at the gym Wednesday and per order from my physical therapist, I tried the recumbent bike for about 5 mins. went well but noticed my ROM in my ankle that I sprained a few years ago is horrible! one more thing to stretch, lol

Today I'll do shoulders, try some "gentle" ab stuff. By gentle I mean no utilizing my hips too much or stopping if it's too painful. and go for 10 mins on the recumbent bike.

last semester of Grad school in underway...STRESS already! reading an entire textbook this weekend. At least it's interesting! on disability and deformity in the Graeco-Roman World. Oh and did I mention about 4 hours of statistics homework?!? fun stuff...

Thought I'd post a few pictures for good measure. The first one is when I met Robert for the first time in 2008 (?) and the other one I took Wednesday after my workout. My arms were at least half the size they are now! =D

Thanks! that pic was maybe 4 or 3 weeks out from my 1st competition. Hoping to get that vascularity again but keep my size. I'm not cutting until 8 weeks out this time and only doing steady cardio. seems I burn easily at this point..sure that will change with age though. lol

Haven't picked any shows to compete in this year. I was thinking of doing the same show I did last year and hoping to come in bigger. But I'd really like to change my season to before summer instead of after in August. But at this point it all depends on my progress with the leg.